Meet our committee members

The following people make up our economic advisory committee, IndiGrow.  

Cr. Roberta Horne

Roberta relocated to Rutherglen 25 years ago and is currently an Indigo Shire Councillor. She has corporate and small business experience within the communications, media and wine industries.

“I see IndiGrow as an opportunity for us to embed a spirit of positivity and participation that values community input and enables us to address social, financial and environmental challenges together.”

Robert Hawkings

Robert resides in Beechworth after scouring the land for the "perfect" vineyard site.

With over 30 years in director roles and industry associations, Robert is looking forward to bringing his specialist skills in governance to the IndiGrow Committee.

"I want to see my adopted home of Indigo Shire progress, attracting more tourism and industry to the area." 

Bev Hoffman

Bev is an avid community member from Yackandandah.

Bev is the CEO of NELLEN, an organisation that partners with schools, employers and community to bridge gaps and connect youth with meaningful education and employment pathways.

"I would like to be part of IndiGrow to support solutions that address successful employment and social transitions which contribute to the future well-being of my community. I believe there are policy and strategic decisions that we can create that will change young people's lives for the better."

Nerida Kerr

Nerida grew up on a farm at Sandy Creek and has retained family and community connections with the area.  Nerida is now an active member of the Barnawartha community and has lived there since 2000.

Nerida is the Executive Officer of AgBiz Assist, a not-for-profit organisation that offers rural financial counselling and support for small business, a social enterprise providing connectivity and IT services and a rural charity.  Nerida is also the Chairperson for the Victorian Chamber of Commerce Executive Council (Hume Region).

"I am passionate about improving the economic sustainability and liveability of Indigo. I would like to work towards ensuring that Indigo has a diverse economy, able to withstand adverse natural and economic events while enabling sustainable growth".

Neil Funston

Neil was born and bred in Melbourne.  He and his wife, Robyn, have travelled the east coast of Australia as part of his work as a Food Process Engineer and Project Manager.  They finally settled in North East Victoria for work opportunities in Shepparton and then in Rutherglen at Uncle Tobys.  The entrepreneur in Neil saw him set up a boutique chocolate factory in Rutherglen.   Neil is now an active community member and a director on the board of Beyond Housing.

"I put my hand up to be part of IndiGrow because I am very community-minded and I can contribute in a positive way.   Community based committees like this can only have a positive impact on our community." 

Cr. Diane Shepheard - Chair

Diane is an Indigo Shire Councillor and Indigo Valley Farmer. Diane has lived in the region for most of her life and has been a teacher and volunteer in many community groups.

“Indigo Shire is a great place to live, with engaged caring communities who think innovatively and work collaboratively to face future threats and opportunities. Within our region and beyond, we need to think and act sustainably and responsibly towards each other and our environment.” 

Mervyn Rea

Together with his wife, Tracey, Mervyn owns and operates Mortimer’s Lodge in Chiltern, an historic cottage providing unique self-catering accommodation.  Originally from Northern Ireland, but a proud Australian for over 20 years, Mervyn’s full time job is national head of Zurich Insurance Resilience Solutions, offering commercial businesses risk management advice across a variety of established and emerging risks. 

“We love spending as much time in Indigo Shire as possible and are keen to see the region prosper as a whole and support sustainable tourism.”

Lisa Turner

Lisa and her two children live in Rutherglen.  She has 40+ experience in sales, marketing, administration and executive management in travel, tourism, agriculture and rural construction.  She volunteers her time regularly, has sat on a number of committees and has completed a range of community leadership programs.  She is disability advocate, particularly for those living with Autism.  

“The long-term wellbeing of our region relies on people in all levels of government making good decisions about complex issues for the public good.  IndiGrow is an opportunity to create and steer ideas for greater liveability in our region, advocating for a stronger economy and better quality of life.”

Alastair Clay

Alastair is a Wahgunyah resident and owner of Miltrans, a Corowa based interstate transport company.  He has extensive experience in transport, logistics and corporate finance.  He is a current member of the North East Regional Executive Forum.

“Ensuring Indigo has efficient transport infrastructure to support and drive economic prosperity is of interest to me.”

Steven Vandenbergh

Steven and wife, Maggie, own Jim Jam Foods, an independent manufacturer of high quality sauces, preserves and condiments marketed throughout Australia and beyond.  Established in 2005, their Stanley based enterprise also offers a farm gate experience.  Prior to that, Steven worked in graphic design, media and advertising.

“Creating a bridge between local government and enterprise seems to be a fairly critical pursuit.  I would like to think that my years of experience could be harnessed to the advantage of the council and broader community." 

Narelle James

Narelle is originally from Melbourne, spent time in Yarrawonga and now calls Beechworth home.  She is the Skills and Jobs Centre Engagement Officer based at Wodonga TAFE. 

“I have a strong vision for the economic growth and liveability of the region.  I am passionate about tourism and tapping into potential new areas of tourism and business growth, and aim to increase housing opportunities for all.”

Cr. Sue Gold - Deputy Chair

Sue is an Indigo Shire Councillor, experienced business consultant and executive mentor committed to creating meaningful social and economic change. She has lived in Beechworth with her partner Andrew, since 2012.  In 2003, she left Melbourne for her ‘tree change’, landing in Dinner Plain to run a mixed business. She understands what it’s like to live with the threat of bushfires, drought, and floods and the challenges these bring to communities and businesses.

“I envision a thriving Indigo where businesses and farms are profitable, communities prosper, and our ability to prepare for and recover from the impacts of climate change continues to grow. IndiGrow is an important, collaborative committee that brings diverse ideas and perspectives together to help solve our challenges.”